Heads of state and royal families bid farewell to King Harald V

Huge crowds lined the streets as Norway's King Harald V passed away at the age of 89 on August 28. World leaders and top political figures honored the monarch, including Britain's Prince William and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Harald, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, had ruled for 35 years. His burial proceeded with a state funeral marked by pomp and ceremony, attended by numerous European royals and heads of state. On Wednesday, tens of thousands of people gathered to watch the funeral procession move slowly through Oslo to the Lutheran Cathedral.

The procession was accompanied by the sounds of cannons from Akershus Fortress. Dignitaries processed on foot behind the coffin, including Prince William, Japan's Crown Prince, the kings of Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain, Germany and Finland's presidents, France's prime minister, and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs from the United States, also attended.

President Zelenskyy was applauded by the crowds upon leaving the cathedral after the funeral service. King Harald V was widely praised by Norwegians for his inclusive nature, often referred to as "the grandfather of the nation." He embraced all family members, regardless of their appearance or beliefs, according to student Arthur Fosheim.

Harald modernized the royal house, refusing to follow other aging monarchs who recently abdicated. His son, Haakon VIII, succeeded him as king last week and took an oath of allegiance to Norway's constitution in parliament. Hundreds of thousands of Norwegians paid tribute to the late king by leaving flowers, candles, and flags at the Royal Palace during the 13-day national mourning period.